FinancialMay/June 2013

Prairielands Post Serving over 3,000 families in nine counties of east central Illinois and western Indiana

Are You Ready for the Summer!!! Camp Drake 2013 Online Program

Registration Underway Don’t miss out on your favorite merit badge classes and other exciting Camp Drake programs this summer! Sign up your Scouts for Camp Drake programs online today at www.CampDrake.com today, before classes are full! For registration log-in information for your Troop, please contact Susan Coller at susan.coller@scouting.org. Please note that several classes have limited capacity, so register your Scouts today for best program availability! Merit badge fees and pre-requisite information is posted at www.CampDrake.com.

Vermilion TreX Offers Older Scout Excitement in 2013 Do you have older scouts that are not sure if they should come to Camp Drake this summer? Camp Drake has an answer for them. The CAMP DRAKE OLDER SCOUT PROGRAM, Vermilion TreX! A balance of activities based on outdoor trek excitement is available exclusively for older Scouts at Camp Drake. Since this exciting new program's incep-tion in 2010, older scouts have enjoyed the thrills it offers of SCUBA, zip-line, river trips, outpost campouts, horseback riding, and so much more! Please visit www.campdrake.com/VermilionTreX for more information!

Scout Can’t Come with Your Troop? Bugle Troop!!

Join the Bugle Troop. Scouts can attend camp without their hometown Scoutmasters. This opportunity is available for troops unable to secure proper adult leadership. Provisional camping also provides leadership for Scouts who cannot attend camp with their troop or who wish to attend more than one week of camp. The Bugle Troop will be available during the 5th session (July 17-23, 2011). Reservations can be made by using the Bugle Troop registration form on the council website. Parents or leaders are welcome to join the Bugle Troop as assistant leaders for the entire week or specific days.

Camp Drake 2013 Shirts Available Now! New camp shirts have arrived at the Robeson Scout Shop. Select your favorite red or blue team colors with a fabulous pollywog man logo for 2013. We even have special tie-dye shirts for the more fashionable members of your family. Stop by the Robeson Scout Shop and pick up your Camp Drake colors today!

Summer Camp Information; pages 1– 3

Council Pinewood Derby Highlights; page 10

Flora Filler Retires; page 13

IMPORTANT Medical Form and Medication Information for 2013 Remember that the ONLY acceptable medical form for all Scouts and adult attending Camp Drake’s Boy Scout or overnight Cub Scout Adventure Camp, regardless of how many nights they are in camp for, is the form from the National BSA available from Campdrake.com. This year we have no flexibility to accept physicals that were documented on school, IHSA, DCFS, or other non-BSA forms. Scouts will not be able to remain at camp if they do not have a physical form good for their entire camp stay on file at the office. We realize that insurance companies may only pay for one physical per year, but this isn’t necessarily a separate physical exam, but the same exam documented on the BSA form. This is a National BSA policy, and not something we have the latitude to interpret or lower the standard of at the local level. Persons will invalid physical exam dates or forms will be referred to a clinic in Danville to have a camp physical completed within their first 24 hours in camp. Medications at Camp Drake in 2013: Reminder that all medications that will be taken at Camp Drake must be in their original containers with a legible label. For Over-the-Counter medications, please clearly indicate the Scout’s name and unit. NEW this year at Camp will be a pilot program allowing units to store medications for their Scouts in a secure location in the troop trailer in the campsite. This will allow units to take care of Scout’s medication dispensing in the campsite, without the time and effort lost to send a pair of Scouts to the Health and Safety Office. This is an OPTIONAL program, and additional information will be available upon check-in at camp. QUESTIONS about Camp Drake Health and Safety related to summer camp? Please contact Assistant Camp Director Brian Brauer at CampDrakeKitchen@gmail.com.

Dining Hall Dietary Needs Reminder: Be Prepared! If a Scout or Adult attending camp this summer has a dietary allergy or special diet, please send an email with details AT LEAST two weeks before the first night the unit will be in camp so that we can “be prepared” with an appropriate menu. Questions about Dining Hall or kitchen operations, as well as special dietary needs and allergy information should be directed to Assistant Camp Director Brian Brauer at CampDrakeKitchen@gmail.com.

Counselors-In-Training Needed for 2013 Camp Drake is accepting applications for counselor-in-training positions at Camp Drake in 2013! Any interested Scouts who will be 14 years of age by June 1 should fill out the application as soon as possible for full consideration. Applications are available online at www.CampDrake.com and can be submitted to Camp Director Mike Graham at Mike.Graham@scouting.org, or returned to the Scout office.

Helping Camp Drake with Program Supplies You can assist in helping Camp Drake with some needed program equipment that will upgrade our ability to improve our summer program requirements. Units or individuals can help provide better gear by purchasing or donating new or nearly new equipment. Units can also provide or donate needed supplies to assist Camp Drake in its operations. The 2010 wish list is below. What can you give to help? Please call Mike Graham for specific item descriptions at 356-7291 x 6447. Any items will help enhance our skill instruction and recreational abilities in providing a great camping session. Arrows; Environmental Study Materials; Binoculars; Canoe Paddles; Duct Tape; Backpacking Stove/Cooking Gear; Bicycles; First Aid Training Gear; Fishing Equipment/Tackle’ Golf Clubs/Balls; GPS Device; Any quantity of rope; Sports Equipment of any kind; Weather Tracking Tools; Target Printing; Clay Pigeons; Kayak; Leather Craft Supplies

Prairielands Council Cub Scout Day Camp

Cub Scouts in Shining Armor

Champaign County Fairgrounds, Urbana; June 10 -14 Camp Robert Drake; June 10 -14

Ervin Park, Tuscola; June 17 - 21 Cub Scouts won’t want to miss out on their chance to travel back to medieval times and become a “Cub in Shining Armor” at the 2013 Prairielands Council Cub Scout Camp. Lots of fun and adventure awaits a three Day Camp locations throughout the council area. In addition to the traditional Day Camp activities of archery, BB guns, slingshots, swimming, fishing and sports, our program areas will be filled with hands-on activities associated with the theme. Champaign/Urbana: The Champaign/Urbana Day Camp will be held June 10—14 at the Champaign County Fairgrounds in Urbana. The camp will run from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday thru Thursday and 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on Friday. Friday is Family Day; lunch will be provided and the entire family is welcome to participate. Camp Drake: The Camp Drake Day Camp will held June 10-14 at Camp Robert Drake south of Oakwood. The camp will run from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday through Thursday and 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on Friday. Friday is Family Day; lunch will be provided and the entire family is welcome to participate. Tuscola: The Tuscola Day Camp will be held June 17—21 at Ervin Park in Tuscola. The camp will run from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday through Friday and 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on Friday. Friday is Family Day; lunch will be provided and the entire family is welcome to participate. Friday Family Day: The final day of each Day Camp is Family Day. Parents and siblings are invited to join in on the fun with their Cub Scout. Shooting sports and some other program areas will be open, and additional special events are planned. Lunch is provided. Camp Fees: The registration for all Day Camps is $60.00 per Scout. Registration fees and forms are due to the Raymond Lee Scout service Center by 5:00 pm on Friday, May 31st. All camps have a $10.00 discount that applies if 1) the registration fee is paid before May 4th; 2) the Scout has a brother who is paying the full fee or; c) ithe Scout has just joined in 2013. (Only one discount applies)

Cub Scout Adventure Camp Jumpstarts New Webelos June 30 – July 3 or July 21—24 at Camp Robert Drake Cub Scout Adventure Camp provides an early opportunity for Cub Campers to begin advancement requirements for newly transitioned Scouts. Current Bears (3rd graders) who move up to the Webelos program are able to enjoy a tremendous advantage by attending Cub Scout Adventure Camp. Many program requirements are easily fulfilled by attending the camp and participating in all of the outdoor programs. All levels of Cub Scouting are encouraged to attend the four-day, three night program with activities geared up for all ages. Packs can reserve their session with a $25.00 site deposit for the June 30 to July 3 Blue period or the July 21-24 Gold period. Get your copy of the Cub Scout Adventure Camp Leader Guide at the Raymond Lee Scout Service Center in Champaign.

2013

The ad-VENTURE of a lifetime. ————————— - - - - - - - - - -

Are you jealous of all those Boy Scouts who get to

go to summer camp while you sit at home? Well

now is your opportunity to go to camp too!

SummerBlast is a weekend camporee for any

registered Venturer who wants to experience

Venturing on a whole new level!

Shoot guns you’ve never shot before; see how long

you could survive in the wilderness; compete

against your fellow Venturers; discover a whole

new side of cooking and much more!

_________________________________________

Get ready for this thrilling weekend of challenges,

learning, and entertainment—Venturing style.

Venturing SummerBlast will take place at Camp

Robert Drake, 9994 Camp Drake Road Fairmount, IL 61841

Activities include:

• Shooting

• Dutch Oven Cooking

• Geocaching

• Swimming

• Boating

• Wilderness Survival

• Volleyball Tournament

$30.00

Maddy Kangas VOA President Maddy.k.716@gmail.com

Questions? Contact:

Lauren Murray SummerBlast Chair dolphins1601@yahoo.com 217.418.6996

VENTURING SUMMERBLAST

Arrive: 5:30 pm on June 14th

Depart: 9 am on June 16th

Holiday Family Camping Weekends At Camp Drake All Scouts and Scouting family members are invited to enjoy Memorial Day Weekend or Labor Day Weekend at Camp Robert Drake this summer. Experience a woodland retreat away and get back to nature. Families can enjoy the facilities at Camp Drake at their own pace. Both weekends will be open for tent camping and limited activities for all ages. All of the campsites are available for use, along with a few of the program areas options during the event. The cost for the entire weekend of camping and activities is $20.00 per family or $8.00 per individual for the entire four-day period. Meals are not included and alcohol is not permitted. Campers will be able to use camp facilities at their leisure. Registration is due on the Monday prior to the holiday weekend.

Want to Make a Difference in the Council Camping Programs? Are you interested in serving Camp Drake year-round? The Prairielands Council Program Committee needs your help! The Camping Program Committee oversees the operation of Camp Drake’s summer camp pro-gram, as well as all year-round programs out at Camp. Adult volunteers are needed to help advise and oversee program areas and events throughout the year. If you are interested in contributing your thoughts, ideas, and talents to the betterment of Camp Drake, please contact Camping Committee Chair John Marquardt at jrmarqua@illinois.edu. Opportunities are available in a variety of areas, skill sets, and time commitments!

John Marquardt

Significant Gift of Kitchen Equipment Donated to Camp Drake Through the efforts of Assistant Camp Director Brian Bauer, Camp Drake has been the recipient of a significant gift of kitchen equipment and supplies from the Liautaub Development Group, LLC. The equipment was part of restaurant in Champaign that was scheduled for demolition; if purchased new the equipment would cost approximately $58,000.

Brauer says that this is a major gift for the council and will have a huge impact on the kitchen operations during summer camp and year-round. A wide range of equipment from a refrigerator and ice machine, to tables and chairs, to pots and pans was were included in the donation. On March 29th group of Prairielands Council met at the restaurant site to remove the equipmwnt and transport it Camp Drake. The work crew consisted of Bob Bantz, Jeff and Jack Jones, Mitchell,

Matthew, and Laurie Brauer, Willie Campbell, Parker Arnholt, Damon LaMar, Owen Myers, Kent McMahan, Troye Kauffman, Flint Pellett, Jim Sanstrom, Steve Setzler, Mike Graham, Matt Crawford, and a crew from TCT Construction. Thank you to everyone involved in this very important gift.

Brian Brauer Log-On and Connect with Camp Drake Year-Round!

Never miss out on Camp Drake breaking news and program information again! Connect with Camp Drake on Facebook (Camp Robert Drake) and follow Camp Drake on Twitter (@campdrakebsa) today! As always, www.CampDrake.com remains the premiere location for all critical Camp Drake leader updates, program information and registration, games, news bulletins, training opportunities, and more!

Pengyu Li Troop 101 Champaign Edmond Kim Troop 17 Champaign Zachary Grady Troop 29 Gibson City Ethan Douglas Troop 29 Gibson City Derek Henderson Troop 104 Urbana

Congratulations New Eagle Scouts

Order of the Arrow News Hello Everyone! I hope you have had a great 2013 so far with all of its shenanigans and weather patterns! Illini Lodge has been slowly but surely shifting from the planning stages of the year that were going strong for the last newsletter, to the action stage of Spring and Summer. The biggest and greatest task that I can ask you to undertake right now is that you attend events out at Camp. These activities (Tool Times, Trail Tromp, Spring Fellowship 2013) are the stepping stones from winter to the summer program. The higher the turnout at these events, the better off Camp will be during the summer when the staff can work on teaching...not the hanging limb over the Trail. Of course there are still Lodge Meetings and Committees to join to voice opinions (contact me at owenmyers113@gmail.com<mailto:owenmyers113@gmail.com> if you are interested!) and of course there are still Lodge Speed Passes to buy and dues to pay. The Lodge has seen great success in the past few months and we are working towards seeing that continue moving onward. Attend as many events as you can from the list below, bring an Arrowfriend, and most importantly, have fun! On behalf of the entire Illini Lodge 55 Elected Board, we look forward to seeing you in the coming months!

Spring Fellowship May 3-5

Are you missing excitement and service out of your life? Then you should come out to camp drake May 3rd-5th for our annual Spring Fellowship James Bond addition. We will be having Ceremonies, Service, James Bond inspired activities, and even Bond movies. Come on out and join all your fellow arrowmen doing service and having a blast at camp drake. Please register at the scout offices and if you have any questions contact Will Givens at (wgivens3@gmail.com<mailto:wgivens3@gmail.com>)

Ordeal Committee Working Hard Ordeal committee is where it's at! Currently we are getting ready for a great Spring Fellowship and Summer Camping! We are preparing ourselves for another great year of inducting new Ordeals, but we need YOUR help! We need committee members. If you are looking to help out in the Inductions Process, helping out the Ordeal committee is for you! Please contact John O'Brien: 217-918-1587<tel:217-918-1587>! We are also currently looking at new ideas for a payment plan for the Inductions Process, and the Ordeal committee is doing research to find out what is best for our Lodge! Stay tuned, more information will be available!

Brotherhood News We are currently looking for more committee members! We need all the help we can get to help make this year's Brotherhood conversion go through the roof! We are working on a set of 4 letters to be sent out to the eligible members of the Lodge! Remember! You can get your Brotherhood at the Spring Fellowship, if you're eligible! Requirements are: memorize the song, obligation, and sign, and write a letter to the Secretary explaining what you plan on doing in the Lodge, and how you will stay involved with your Brotherhood membership, and be an Ordeal member for 10 months. We are looking forward to having a huge Brotherhood Class of 2013!

Elangomat I’m Evan Brown and I am the 2013 Elangomat Chairman. Recently, we held an Elangomat training for the 2013 Elangomats. The training was a success! These Elangomats will be used at Spring Fellowship, in addition to the 2013 Summer Camp season. We’re fortunate to have some of these new Elangomats on staff, however they can’t do it every week. I will be more than happy to hold another training, because we can definitely use more. We plan on having Elangomats selected and trained before the events themselves. If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to e m a i l m e a t brownevan98@gmail.com<mailto:brownevan98@gmail.com>.

Dues are Due!! Dues are due! Make sure you pay your dues at the next OA event you attend! If you are questioning whether or not you have paid your dues please contact Kelly Chapman at KellyChapmanjr@yahoo.com<mailto:KellyChapmanjr@yahoo.com>.

Be Prepared with Your Physical Form! Each person that is at camp for Order of the Arrow events is asked to bring parts A and B of the BSA Medical form with them. For persons participating in the Ordeal, a completed part C is required also. Please turn in a copy (No originals, please) of the form at registration when you arrive at camp.

Firm bound in brotherhood……..

Get Your Free Advancements, Free Advancements here! Troops have an opportunity to earn free cloth rank advancement for their efforts to bring more boys into Scouting. A Troop can earn this through the end of the years by having more Scouts than last June on June 30, 2013. The Troop can expand that to July 2014 by having more registered Boy Scouts of December 31, 2013. The Troop must also recharter on time and participate in the Family Friends of Scouting Campaign to qualify. Check with your Senior District Executive for more details on this great opportunity.

Cub Scout Packs…. Free Pinewood Derby Cars!!!

Pack leaders, don’t forget that your Pack can earn free Pinewood Derby cars for the Cub Scouts in your Pack! 1. Submit your Pack charter in on time 2. Participate in the FOS campaign with a Family Presentation 3. Conduct a spring recruitment rally for new Tiger Cubs 4. Have a fall recruitment for new Cub Scouts Recognition: A) Free Pinewood Derby Car for each new Cub Scout recruited between April 1 & Oct 31 B) If the Pack has more Cub Scouts on Oct 31 than the end of 2012; free cars for the whole Pack! Check with your Senior District Executive for more details!

Wrapping Up the Year? But Now is the Time to Begin Planning the Best Scouting Year EVER!!!

Many people consider May the time wind things up but it’s really the time start looking ahead and planning for the best year your Pack, Troop or Crew ever had!! During the months of June or July your Pack, Troop or Crew committee should be holding a Program Planning Conference for the 2013-2014 year. Make it fun!! Adults only!! A backyard BBQ!! A little fun time for the leaders of your unit who have worked so hard all year long! But don’t forget the planning part. This is an important meeting for you to put together your program for the coming year. • Where are your volunteer vacancies? Do you need a new Treasurer? Are your Den

Leaders coming back? Now is the time to evaluate your volunteer needs and put together a summer recruiting plan.

• Put together the unit calendar. When will your meetings be? What special trips,

activities or events are you planning? • Develop a unit budget. How much money does your unit need to provide the program

your Scouts want a deserve? How much Popcorn do you need to sell to meet the needs? Who is going to be your Popcorn Chair?

• What council and district events and camps is your unit going to go too? • Finally, develop a WRITTEN unit calendar that can be distributed to all your families at

the first meeting so they can plan too! Your Unit Commissioner would love to be invited to your Program Planning Meeting. He/she will be able to answer lots of questions and give examples of program ideas that other units have tried. Your unit year will be much more fun with a little planning ahead of time.

The Prairielands Council 2013-2014 Program Planning Calendar is just one of the tools available to help you plan your program for the coming year. The calendar is free but limited in supply. If you don’t have one yet, they are available at the Raymond Lee Scout Service Center or Danville Scout Office. Special thanks to Faulstich Printing for a donation of printing costs to allow this to be free to you. Other resources are available for program planning as well; program guides, budget planning sheets, and more. Contact your Senior District Executive or Unit Commissioner to find out where to get all you need for a great Program Planning Conference.

Prairie Fire District

Prairie Fire District Calendar May 6- District Meeting, 7:00pm, Illinois Fire Institute Building, Champaign 8-District Commissioner Meeting, 6:00pm LDS Church on Windsor, Champaign 27- Memorial Day, Council Service Center Closed

June & July there will be NO District or Commissioner Meetings

Springtime Tiger Cub Recruitment Cub Scout Leaders don’t let another Pack meeting go by without inviting all those new and eligible Kindergartners and First graders to join your Pack now! This is one of the largest Kindergartner class ever with lots of BOYS!! Let’s give them the opportunity to start experience the funs and exciting activities we have to offer in Scouting. We have a variety of materials for you to do your recruitment, fliers, Mini Boy Life magazines, yard signs, and posters. Contact your District Executive Lovetta Ash-Simpson (531-0217) or lovetta.ash-simpson@scouting.org to set up a “Boy Talk” at your schools and to pick up supplies. We also have school night registration crates available for leaders to use that have everything in them that you need to have a successful recruitment night.

Prairie Fire District Friends of Scouting Campaign Your investment in Scouting plays a vital role in helping to build character and create a foundation of leadership for the youth in our communities. Currently Prairie Fire Friends of Scouting campaign is at 50% percent of it goal! For those of you that have already given we say “THANK YOU” every dollars stay right here in our Council to provide the best programming for our youth! For those of you that have NOT given yet, please consider sending in your donation ASAP no matter the amount, it ALL makes an IMPACT! A big Thank you goes out to our District Chairman Mike Hirschi & his lovely wife Deb for hosting and kicking off our Community Campaign, now those of who that have pledge cards to work…… PLEASE WORK THEM SOONER THEN LATER!!! Let’s make this a REPEAT of last year campaign where we finished early and made ALL OUR GOALS!! WE CAN DO THIS!!

As the school year starts to come to a close and we begin to get ready for the exciting summertime activities of camping, hiking, swimming, grilling and just hanging out with family and friends, don’t forget to take the time to thank your Commissioner for helping to keep you informed and in the know about what is happening with Scouting locally and Nationally. A big “THANK YOU” to Linda Atherton and the entire Commissioner staff for all you do for our units. Congratulations are in order for Dan Strole in earning the Doctorate of Commissioner Service, your dedication to helping others is very commendable.

Commissioner Corner

Commissioner Recognized Council Commissioner Paige Lewis (right) presents Dan Strole with the Doctorate of Commissioner Science Degree at the Prairie Fire Roundtable in April. Congratulations Dan!

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Spring Recruiting for Kindergarten Age Boys Make plans now to conduct a special Recruiting night for new Cub Scouts in May. An easy and fun program can be set up this spring to entice new families to join your pack. Set a date now with your volunteers to organize a simple, but effective Cub Scout orientation for new boys.

Summertime Pack Award – Keep it Simple…Make It Fun

Catch the sun and keep your Cub Scouts active in the summer. Be sure to schedule three summer activities, one per month, to qualify for the Summertime Pack Award. Each Cub Scout who attends all three programs will earn the special sun button for their uniform. The events can be pack oriented like a picnic, parade, or swim party or use the council camps as your planned events. The goal is to provide a Scouting connection over the school vacation period. This helps to stay in contact with parents and leaders in getting ready for the programs for the fall. Don’t forget to bring the suntan lotion.

Friends of Scouting Success Depends on You! Your contributions to the Friends of Scouting campaign for 2013 have added up to $ 15,716 which is 41% of our total istrict goal of $ 38,400. This fund-raising drive provides the necessary dollars needed to provide administrative support through our council office, maintain Camp Drake which is our 310 acre camping facility, and provide leadership training and counseling. If you have not made your commitment for this year, please contact District Executive Mike Graham at the Raymond Lee Scout Service Center (800) 464-7291, ext. 6441

Program Planning Info Available! The New Scouting Calendars are Ready! The new calendars for the 2013-2014 year are being distributed as a part of the Program Planning Process, available through both Scout offices. This wonderful collection of forms, flyers and pamphlets describe the beauty of upcoming Scouting activities for all your family to enjoy. For one low, low price, you’ll receive these remarkable hand-crafted gems: Advancement Form…Uniform Price Guide…Insurance Pamphlet…Camp Use Application….AND THE COUNCIL CALENDAR. But wait there’s more, you’ll enjoy the Spring Camporee Flyer, the price guide, the popcorn info, as well the summer info with CD …plus much, much more at no additional cost! What a great deal! Act now to obtain this once-every-springtime treasure.

Journey to Excellence Goals It is not too late to set up your goals for the 2013 Journey to Excellence award. On line applications are available to help guide your objectives in the coming year. Please review the requirements and assess the opportunities to improve your Scouting programs.

On-line Training at Your Leisure

Important informational training courses are offered on-line for all program levels within the Boy Scouts of America. Web-based Training for any Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing leader is the most convenient method of training all leaders can take. Many courses are online courses that are very short and are available through the BSA Web site. As the summer season approaches, aquatics activities require Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat courses, which are easily completed on-line. For brand-new leaders, there is Fast Start Training, where one course is for Cub Scouts and another for Boy Scouts. Commissioners should take the Fast Start for whichever type of unit they serve most. The Youth Protection course is valuable for everyone and required for certain Scouting positions. There is also a Hazardous Weather training to help keep your outings safe. The link to MyScouting for the Boy Scouts of America on-line training center website is http://olc.scouting.org/ . You will need to set up an account in the on-line learning center by using your I dentification number of your BSA membership card. If you cannot find your BSA membership card, contact Susan Coller at (217) 356-7291, ext. 6441.

Council Pinewood Derby Championship …….….Just Plain Cool!

The 2013 Council Pinewood Derby Championship was held Saturday, April13 at Judah Christian School in Champaign. The day was filled with fast cars, cool cars and rushing adrenaline for Cub Scouts and their fans! Thanks to Event Chair Curt Ware and his dedicated team of volunteers for putting together another great event.

Curt Ware Pinewood Derby Chair

Place Time Name PackSpePlaceed 1. 6.0290 Anthony Ware Pack 25 2. 6.0640 Seth Gossett Pack 119 3. 6.0820 Jake Reed Pack 80 4. 6.0970 John Pelafos Pack 113 5. 6.0990 Taten Ludwig, Pack 119 6. 6.1040 Noah Przytulski Pack 94 7. 6.1140 Thomas Davison Pack 119 8. 6.1390 Nick Harris Pack 76

Best Design: Alex Brooks Best Paint: Eli Sorenson Show Car Winners: Talon Fazio, Tyler Jones, Nate Streams, Thomas Rodriques, Andy Camey, Luke Waterson,

Lucas White, Jeremiah King

Service for Pre- Mother’s Day Saturday Make your mother proud. The first requirement is to attend a Tool Time Work Day. The 2nd requirement is to clean up yourself after a rewarding day of Camp Drake service. Finally, provide mom will a nice remembrance that she raised you right….like a tie-dye Pollywog man t-shirt. And Mom will be happy that you are out of the house that day!

Arrow of Light Plaques and Shooting Sports Coupon All Arrow of Light recipients are encouraged to obtain a colorful plaque displaying the name and year of the recipient recognizing there achievement in earning the highest award in Cub Scouting. Illini Lodge of the Order of the Arrow has created an impressive framed certificate for all Arrow of Light recipients in the Prairielands Council to be presented at the time of the award ceremony. As an incentive to continue their Scouting path, the Brotherhood of Honor Campers (OA) is providing a shooting sports coupon to be used the Nogle Shooting Sports area this summer. The coupon will be good for a free arrow kit . These new Boy Scouts will be able to enjoy the fabulous shooting facility at Camp Drake. Contact Program Clerk Susan Coller at (217) 356-7291, ext. 6441 to obtain plaques for your honored Cub Scouts.

Take the Cub Scout Leave No Trace Pledge Following the nationwide push for a greener environment, Cub Scouts are encouraged to learn more about the newest camping techniques using the Leave No Trace strategy. This great award for outdoors enthusiasts provides a guideline for Cub Scouts to enjoy the natural world. Follow the Pledge: I promise to practice the Leave No Trace front country guidelines wherever I go: 1) Plan ahead. 2) Stick to trails. 3) Manage your pet. 4) Leave what you find. 5) Respect other visitors. 6) Trash your trash. Introduce your Cub Scouts to the best methods for care of the forests and wildlife through the Leave No Trace Award.

Trail Tromp Highlights Thanks to all the Scouting leaders who led a great crowd of hikers for the 2013 Trail Tromp on April 6th. Overall, there were 58 Cub Scouters, 60 Boy Scouters, and 1 Venturers who participated in the fabulous walk on the Onaquispassippi Trail. There were terrific views of the river ridges and the prairie lands all along the path. Scouts from Pack 25 and Troop 1 found gift certificates for the Robeson Scout Shop. Jon Borgers of Pack 157 in Cissna Park found the winning prize – a GPS device. Special thanks to Illini Lodge Trail Chair Dalton Donnals and his advisor Bob Bantz for their skills in organizing the event.

Bike Rodeo Appreciation Thanks to Event Chair Neal White and Maintenance Guru Jared Durst for hosting the 2013 Bike Rodeo at Camp Drake. Bicycling Scouts and Venturers enjoyed competitions and skill lessons on April 6th at Camp Drake. Additional appreciation goes out to the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity for their support of the event.

You Can Be Part of the 2014 Philmont High Adventure

There are openings left for Venturers interested in an exciting outdoor cha l lenge. Counci l Ph i lmont Coordinator Bill Campbell has set up a hiking crew to participate in a journey to northeast New Mexico. Hikers will be able to choose from dozens of

outdoor activities along their mountainous trek. Space is still available for Venturers to attend Philmont Scout Ranch in 2014.

Behind the Scenes Guy Steve Setzler is one of those “behind the scenes guys” who does a lot for our council that no one ever sees. Steve, owner of his own computer networking firm, volunteers countless hours and money to support the Raymond Lee Scout Service Center computer network. Always on call and working with a council technology budget of next to nothing, Steve keeps the network running, fixes the bugs and teaches the staff a thing or two about computers once in a while. Steve is our “Behind the Scenes Guy” for this month. THANKS STEVE!!!

Friends of Scouting Campaign 2013 2013 % Campaign Division Goal Actual Difference of Goal

Prairie Fire District Major Gifts Division $ 54,500.00 $ 50,525.00 $ (3,975.00) 93% Board Division $ 50,600.00 $ 32,500.00 $ (18,100.00) 64% Community Division $ 31,450.00 $ 8,478.00 $ (22,972.00) 27% Family Division $ 40,900.00 $ 23,942.00 $ (16,958.00) 59% Staff Division $ 2,550.00 $ 2,552.00 $ 2.00 100% Total Prairie Fire District $ 180,000.00 $ 117,997.00 $ (62,003.00) 66% Many Trails District Major Gifts Division $ 2,000.00 $ - $ (2,000.00) 0% Board Division $ 9,500.00 $ 6,300.00 $ (3,200.00) 66% Community Division $ 19,000.00 $ 6,466.00 $ (12,534.00) 34% Family Division $ 6,350.00 $ 1,925.00 $ (4,425.00) 30% Staff Division $ 1,550.00 $ 1,575.00 $ 25.00 102% Total Many Trails District $ 38,400.00 $ 16,266.00 $ (22,134.00) 42% Prairielands Council Major Gifts Division $ 56,500.00 $ 50,525.00 $ (5,975.00) 89% Board Division $ 60,100.00 $ 38,800.00 $ (21,300.00) 65% Community Division $ 50,450.00 $ 14,944.00 $ (35,506.00) 30% Family Division $ 47,250.00 $ 25,867.00 $ (21,383.00) 55% Staff Division $ 4,100.00 $ 4,127.00 $ 27.00 101% Total Prairielands Council $ 218,400.00 $ 134,263.00 $ (84,137.00) 61%

Council Friends of Scouting Campaign tops 60% The Annual Friends of Scouting Campaign, with a goal of $218,400, has hit 61% of the goal leaving just over $84,000 left to raise. According to Scout Executive Tim Manard, the campaign is running a little behind last year. “Last year we were about $30,000 farther along at end of April and we were able to wrap it up by the end of June., says Manard. “That allowed us to focus on offering a great Scouting program the rest of the year,” he adds. Manard says that all of the divisions are running a little slower than last year but he is most concerned about the Family Division. “Each year we ask our Scouting families to support the council with a gift to the FOS Campaign. Usually we get very strong support from our families, but this year has seen a drop in giving. We’re hopeful that our unit leaders will lead the charge in their own units to help meet the Family Division goal.

FOS Supports

• Camp Robert Drake

• Program Support to keep event fees

low

• Opertations Support like telephones,

utilities, insurance

• District Service through your Senior District Executive &

Field Associate

• Scout Shop service with Saturday hours

• Danville Scout

Office

• Product Sale coordination

• Records

Management including

membership, advancement &

training

• And much more…..

Sporting Clays Event set for August 24th The Council Sporting Clays for Scouting event will be held Saturday, August 24, 2013 at old Barn Sporting Clays near Oakland, Illinois. This fund-raiser has proven to be very popular in the past but this year has an exciting new twist. The 2013 event will be in cooperation with Lincoln Trails Council, the council headquartered in Decatur. This means more shooters, more competition and more fun. Five man teams can register for $500.00. The team score will be based on only four team members, so bring a friend who just wants to shoot. Sponsorships are also available from the $250 level up to Event Sponsor for $2,500. The shoot kicks off early in the morning and will conclude just after lunch, which is provided with the registration fee. There will be prizes and raffles to win cool stuff. And this year the best teams from Prairielands Council and Lincoln Trails Council will face off on last time to determine the overall winner of the Sporting Clays for Scouting.

Merits of Scouting Another great way to support your council is through the Merits of Scouting Campaign. Is there a Merit Badge that m a t c h e s y o u r business of hobby; be a Merits of Scouting Mentor for just $500. More details available from Tim Manard at 217-531-0214 tim.manard@scouting.org

Council Calendar May 2013 May 3-5 Order of the Arrow Spring Fellowship Camp Robert Drake (See related article, page 6) May 11 Robeson Scout Shop Open 9:00 am—1:00 pm May 12 HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY May 16 Council Training Committee Meeting 7:00 pm Flightstar, Savoy May 20 Council Executive Board Meeting 5:35 pm New Horizon United Methodist Church, Champaign May 21 Council Program Committee Meeting 7:00 pm Raymond Lee Scout Service Center, Champaign May 23 Council ScoutReach Committee Meeting 12 Noon Raymond Lee Scout Service Center, Champaign May 23 & 24 BSA National Annual Meeting Grapevine, Texas May 25-27 Camp Drake Open for Family Camping Camp Robert Drake (See related article, page 5) May 27 MEMORIAL DAY

June 2013 June 8 Robeson Scout Shop Open 9:00 am—1:00 pm June 10—14 Cub Scout Day Camp 9:00 am—3:00 pm Champaign County Fairgrounds, Urbana (See related article, page 3) June 10—14 Cub Scout Day Camp 9:00 am—3:00 pm Camp Robert Drake June 14—16 Venturing Summer Blast Camp Robert Drake (See related story, page 4) June 16 HAPPY FATHER’S DAY June 16—22 Boy Scout Summer Camp, Week #1 Camp Robert Drake (See related articles, pages 1 & 2) June 17—21 Cub Scout Day Camp 9:00 am—3:00 pm Ervin Park, Tuscola June 22 Robeson Scout Shop Open 9:00 am—1:00 pm June 23—29 Boy Scout Summer Camp, Week #2 Camp Robert Drake June 24 Council Executive Board Meeting 6:00 pm—8:00 pm Camp Robert Drake

Flora Filler Exits for Retirement Reception held on April 24 On behalf of the Council Executive Board, council, district and unit volunteers, Council Scout Executive Tim Manard extends a sincere “thank you” to Flora Filler for her 14 years of dedicated service as a member of the Prairielands Council staff. Flora retired effective May 1, 2013. Flora joined the council staff in 1999 as the part-time Registrar and later became full time in that same position. In 2012 she became the Prairie Fire District Field Service Associate. Flora also provided support to the Eagle Scout accreditation process, reviewing Eagle Scout applications. Flora is also a dedicated volunteer with Troop 13 in Champaign where her husband Chris is Scoutmaster. In her retirement Flora plans to travel and enjoy more time with Chris and their son Paul. Everyone at Prairielands Council deeply appreciates everything Flora has done (and will continue to do) in support of Scouting in Prairielands Council.

Celebrating with Flora were her husband, Chris (left) and son Paul (right) as well as

several other members of her family.

Jim Deiker was one of nearly 50 council, district and unit volunteers who came to

the Open House to wish Flora well.

Ken Gunji (right), Council Executive Board Member and Past President wishes Chris

& Flora all the best in retirement.

Prairielands Council Scouters in the News Maddy Kangas Named to Area Position Prairielands Council’s Maddy Kangas has been named the 2013-2013 Central Region Area 3 Venturing Vice President of Communication. Maddy has been President of the Prairielands Council Venturing Officers Association for 2012-2013, and was VP of Communication for 2011-2012, as well as serving as President of Crew 1. In her 3 years of Venturing, Maddy has been to Northern Tier twice, served as the crew leader on her trek at Philmont, and is planning to do the Roving Outdoor Conservation School individual trek at Philmont this summer. She was an instructor in the first ILSC offered by her council. In addition, she has earned the Outdoor Bronze Award, the Gold Award, and the Silver Award. Maddy is a senior at St. Thomas More High School in Champaign, IL, involved in the National Honor Society, Science Club, Math Team, Scholastic Bowl, and the Spanish Club as well as being an ambassador for her school. In the fall, she plans to attend the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and major in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. As Central Region Area 3 Venturing Vice President of Communication, Maddy wants to establish stronger ties with 12 councils in the area to ensure greater rates of success. Her term begins on June 1.

Maddy Kangas Central Region Area 3

Vice-President/Communications

Council Advisory Board Member and Past Council President Steve Carter (left) retired as Champaign City Manager on March 30 after 28 years of service to the community. Congratulations Steve…..more time for Scouting now!!!

Jim Ayers (right) has been reelected as a Trustee for Parkland College in Champaign. Ayers has been a long time member of the Trustees and was named National Community College Trustee of the Year in 2007. Ayers has served in several positions at the Unit, District and Council level including Council President in 2005 and 2006.

Marion Knight (left), Council Vice-President/ScoutReach, and Scoutmaster for Troop 402 at Canaan Missionary Baptist Church in Urbana, was recognized by the NAACP of Champaign County ACTSO program for his outstanding leadership in the Boy Scouts of America program. Knight was honored at the Annual Meeting of the NAACP on Saturday, April 27.

Gabrielle Martin, Council Vice-President/Program (right) has been named the Central Region Area 3 Vice-President for Training. Martin will give leadership to training guidance and support for 12 councils located in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri.

Sharon Kirk, Prairielands Council Office Manager, recently completed a week long certification course in Dallas on the new BSA Fiscal Operations. As Office Manager, Kirk (left) is responsible for all operations of the Raymond Lee Scout Service Center and Danville Scout Shop. In addition she is responsible for all council accounting. The recent course was part of a Nation-wide fiscal conversion of BSA fiscal systems

Tony Martin, (left), Council Shooting Sports Committee Chairman, has completed the NRA Certified Counselor Workshop and is now certified as an NRA training. The completion of the course allows Tony to conduct training for other Scouting volunteers for NRA certification.

On April 10, 11 & 12, Senior District Executive Lovetta Ash-Simpson attended a BSA “High Achiever” conference in Chicago. Participants were recommended by their Scout Executive and selected by the Central Regional Director to be part of the three day roundtable on best methods for achieving success in the local council.

Scout Executive Comments Tim Manard, Scout Executive Change is never easy, especially when it is change you feel strongly about. Whether the change is something you think is good, or if you think it is bad, it is still difficult. It is especially challenging if you aren’t even sure what the change is going to be. Anxiety, frustration and even grief are all emotions that rise to the surface during a period of uncertainty. It is only natural. In January everyone involved in Scouting was surprised to learn that the National Executive Board was looking at a change in the long held Membership Standards that does not allow avowed homosexuals to be members of the Boy Scouts of America. This policy has been formally in place since the mid-1980’s and was upheld by the United States Supreme Court in 2000. Since then the Boy Scouts of America has been hammered by the court of public opinion for maintaining the ban on gay membership. So in February we started talking; and we have talked a great deal. A resolution from the National Executive Committee has now been presented to our voting members for action at the National Annual Meeting on May 23th. The resolution, if passed, will allow the membership of gay youth, but maintain the exclusion of gay leaders. I cannot predict the outcome of this historic vote; opinions are too strong on either side of the issue. During the “listening phase” of all of this, Scouters, parents and even youth members were encourage to participate in a Voice of the Scout survey. The results in Prairielands Council are very interesting. When asked: “to what extent do you support or oppose the current policy”, 46.8% said they Totally Support or Somewhat Support the policy; 47.6% said they Totally Oppose or Somewhat Oppose the policy. When asked if they believed this policy reflected a “core value” of Scouting found in the Scout Oath and Law, 46.5% said “yes”; 53.5% said “no”. Who were the people answering the-se questions? 10% were Boy Scout parents; 14% were Cub Scout parents; 13% were council or district volunteers; 60% were unit level volunteers and 3% represented Charter Organizations. The survey only confirms what I have heard as I have talked with many of you over the past two months. We are a council filled with very different opinions on this issue. We are, literally, split down the middle. So where does that leave us? The anxiety, frustration and grief clutch us in the fear of the unknown. But once we know what the “unknown” is…..how will we respond? I really only know one thing at this point: I know that the Boy Scouts of America changes lives; kids are better, stronger, more confident because they belong to the Boy Scouts of America. I can’t abandon that; I don’t believe that is going to change, regardless of a vote in Dallas. I believe that if I stick with the Boy Scouts of America I can continue to make a difference in the lives of kids. That’s more important to me than the vote that is before us. Our mission is accomplished because of the dedicated work of very special volunteers. That won’t change. With that kind of devoted leadership I believe the Boy Scouts of America can weather this current storm, move forward and continue to serve the needs of kids. Thank you for all you do for Prairielands Council and the 3,000 kids who call themselves a “Scout”.

Personnel News

Gloria Marsh, Council Finance Assistant Office Manager Sharon Kirk has announced the hiring of Gloria March as the Council Finance Assistant. Gloria brings to this new position a wide range of skills and experiences after spending 31 years with the Illinois State Water Survey at the University of Illinois. As Finance Assistant, Gloria will be responsible for support to the Council Friends of Scouting campaign, Merits of Scouting, Special Fund-Raising events and product sales. Gloria is part-time and will be in the office during the mornings. Congratulations Gloria and welcome to Prairielands Council.

Lisa Boise, Prairie Fire District Field Associate Sharon Kirk has also announced that Lisa Boise has taken on the role of Prairie Fire District Field Associate on April 16th. Lisa has a strong background in secretarial support with past positions at the University of Illinois and Carle Foundation Hospital, As Field Associate, Lisa will provide support to Lovetta Ash-Simpson and Prairie Fire District including secretarial, registration, events and advancement including Eagle Scout applications. Lisa is part-time and will be in the office in the afternoons. Please help us welcome Lisa as part of the Prairielands Council team.

Council Tribute Fund The Council Tribute Fund is a way for acknowledge someone with a gift to Scouting. A tribute can be made in memory of someone, in recognition of a life milestone, in honor of achieving the Eagle Scout Award or to say “thank you” to someone in a special way. Gifts to the Tribute Fund should be sent to Tribute Fund, P.O. Box 6267, Champaign, IL 61826-6267.

In Memory of Joan McGrath-Lynch – The Kangas Family In Memory of Chrystal Overby – Madeline & Randy Kangas; Ellen & Ralph Kuchenbrod

Prairielands Council, Boy Scouts of America 3301 Farber Drive P.O. Box 6267 Champaign, IL 61826-6267

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Champaign, IL Permit No. 67

Council Information

Raymond Lee Scout Service Center & Robeson Scout Shop 3301 Farber Dr., P.O. Box 6267

Champaign, IL 61826-6267 General Phone Number: 217-356-7291

Service Center Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Robeson Scout Shop Hours: Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Tuesday and Thursday: 12 Noon – 6:00 pm

2nd and 4th Saturdays: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Danville Scout Office 305 Woodbury, Danville, IL 61834-1413

Hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 1:30 – 5:00 pm or by appointment

Website: prairielandbsa.org

Prairielands Council Boy Scouts of America

Serving families in nine counties of east central Illinois and western Indiana